Tectonic stress in the structures of the Northern Priokhotie (Magadan region) according to geological data

Abstract

Tectonic fracturing of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic structures was studied in the Northern Priokhotie (Magadan region). The cataclastic analysis method and the statistical method of fracture density analysis were used to reconstruct their state of stress. It is revealed that the folded structures of the Arman’-Viliga synclinorium are subjected to horizontal shearing; the axis of maximum compression is sublatitudinal (azimuth 67°, angle 12°); extension is submeridional (azimuth 161°, angle 19°). In the Uda-Murgal volcanic arc, horizontal extension with shear takes place; the compression axis is directed to NW (azimuth 259°, angle 29°), and the extension axis to NE (azimuth 152°, angle 26°). In the Okhotsk-Chukotka volcanogenic belt, volcanic structures are in the field of varying tectonic stresses, from predominant horizontal extension to horizontal shear. The Cenozoic intermontane depressions of the Miocene – Pliocene ages are subjected to horizontal shear; the compression axis is directed to NE (azimuth 214°, angle 29°), and the extension axis to NW (azimuth 121°, angle 4°). The results of the comparative analysis of the stress states in the above-mentioned areas reliably show that the diversity of the stress state types is statistically related to the structural positions of the studies sites. Such diversity cannot be explained by an influence of active faults, or by any consecutive superposition of deformations at different stages, despite the fact that the deformations have complicated the observed pattern of the stress states. We conclude that each subsequent geodynamic stage only introduced additional elements into the previous structure, but did not completely transform it.